Employment

Combined Shape

“The Institute has become a reservoir of talent.”

Secretary of State Warren Christopher

Since its founding in 1985, The Washington Institute has served as a training ground for future policymakers in both Democratic and Republican administrations. During its quarter-century history, an impressive array of talented scholars has been associated with the Institute. They have gone on to join government and help shape American foreign policy in the Middle East. At the same time, upon completion of their public service, some of the best minds from government are attracted to the Institute. This exchange of ideas and people with the executive branch is very much a part of The Washington Institute's effectiveness.

The Institute's prestigious intern and research assistant programs also provide a pathway for college graduates and graduate students to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. The Institute is proud of its interns and research assistants -- many of whom go on to serve in government and make their own contributions in the policy world.

Current employment opportunities include

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Soref Fellow

The Washington Institute is seeking one or two Soref Fellows. Applicants are urged to apply soon for positions which would start in coming months.

Research proposals should be about a topic relevant to U.S. Middle East policymakers. Candidates who do not duplicate expertise of existing Institute staff members are preferred. For 2023-2024, applicants fluent in Chinese or with significant government experience working on China are strongly preferred.

The Soref Fellow program offers an opportunity to consider pursuing a career in government or journalism rather than in academia. The fellowship is designed primarily for those who have recently earned a PhD; exceptionally well-qualified individuals with masters’ degrees will be considered, as will those with law or MBA degrees. The fellowship is not available as support while working on a dissertation. Applications are welcome from those with some years of experience post-degree, such as university assistant professors. Working knowledge of a regional knowledge sufficient for research purposes is much preferred; fluency is even better. Nationals of all countries may apply.

The stipend depends upon experience. Typically for someone who just received a PhD, the stipend would be about $4,500 a month, along with generous benefits. The fellowship is for up to one year. The Institute provides the services of a research assistant shared with another senior fellow. Soref fellows work out of the Institute’s offices in downtown Washington, D.C. Depending upon the research topic, the Institute is prepared to finance a research trip to the Middle East.

Soref fellows write for the Institute's PolicyWatch series and in most cases author a longer study the Institute publishes as a monograph. Fellows may be asked to speak on behalf of the Institute a few times at locations around the United States. The Institute’s communication staff will work with fellows to secure media interviews, to place op-ed articles in major outlets, and to have an active presence on social media.

Applications are considered on a rolling basis.  An application should include a short resume, one or two research proposals (a few paragraphs are sufficient), a sample of scholarly work such as a thesis chapter, and if available a sample of writing for a broader audience even if the subject is not about the Middle East. Please email applications to soref@washingtoninstitute.org.

No phone calls please.

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

2026-2027 Fikra Forum Research Assistant

This Research Assistant will work with the Institute’s Fikra Forum team to produce the Fikra Forum, a Washington Institute initiative featuring on-the-ground analysis in English and Arabic about political, economic, and social developments in the MENA region. To learn more about the Fikra Forum, please visit the Fikra Forum website. 

This RA will provide editing, research, and administrative support to the Fikra team while also participating in the Washington Institute's larger RA cohort. Ideal candidates will be self-sufficient, highly motivated team players who can work in a fast-paced environment, communicate effectively, and write clearly and directly. Arabic and other regional language skills, as well as experience with social media, editing, and publications are a plus, but not required.

Further details on the RA program are as follows:

The RA program provides a pathway for recent graduates and early-career professionals to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. Research Assistants support Institute senior fellows in all aspects of research and administrative work, and go on to contribute to the policy world as government officials, research analysts, journalists, consultants, and other roles. In addition to providing research support, RAs participate in The Washington Institute's frequent public and private events, and contribute to the daily operations of the office. Research Assistants gain exposure to high-level decision-makers, follow developments in the Middle East, and help senior fellows produce in-depth research and policy analysis. The Washington Institute provides professional development programming for Research Assistants, equipping them with relevant skills for policy positions.

RA positions are geared towards recent B.A. graduates with an interest and background in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. The position is a full-time (40 hours/week), year-long, paid position with a salary of $55,000, plus benefits. Start dates will be in late summer of 2026. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. Candidates may apply for up to three positions.

The Fikra RA will report directly to the RA/Intern Program Director, as well as the Fikra team. Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2026.

Apply for this position. 

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

2026-2027 Military and Security Studies Program Research Assistant

This Research Assistant will work with The Washington Institute’s Military and Security Studies (Mil/Sec) team. The RA will provide both research and administrative support by tracking news developments; compiling maps, databases, and other interactive tools; organizing events; and undertaking other research tasks. Ideal candidates should be able to work on deadlines, multitask, and synthesize a large amount of information in a short period of time. Arabic skills (intermediate or higher) are a plus but not required.

The Mil/Sec RA will also participate in The Washington Institute's larger RA cohort. Further details on the RA program are as follows:

The RA program provides a pathway for recent graduates and early-career professionals to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. Research Assistants support Institute senior fellows in all aspects of research and administrative work, and go on to contribute to the policy world as government officials, research analysts, journalists, consultants, and other roles. In addition to providing research support, RAs participate in The Washington Institute's frequent public and private events, and contribute to the daily operations of the office. Research Assistants gain exposure to high-level decision-makers, follow developments in the Middle East, and help senior fellows produce in-depth research and policy analysis. The Washington Institute provides professional development programming for Research Assistants, equipping them with relevant skills for policy positions.

RA positions are geared towards recent B.A. graduates with an interest and background in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. The position is a full-time (40 hours/week), year-long, paid position with a salary of $55,000, plus benefits. Start dates will be in late summer of 2026. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. Candidates may apply for up to three positions.

The Mil/Sec RA will report directly to the RA/Intern Program Director, as well as the Director of the Mil/Sec Program. Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2026.

Apply for this position. 

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

2026-2027 Arab Politics Program Research Assistant

The Rubin Family Arab Politics Program (AP) Research Assistant will work with The Washington Institute’s AP team, where they will support research on a variety of topics related to social, political, and economic developments in the Arab world. The RA will provide both research and administrative support by tracking news developments; compiling maps, databases, and other interactive tools; organizing events; and undertaking other research tasks.

Arabic skills (intermediate or higher) are a plus but not required. Ideal candidates should be able to work on deadlines, multitask, and synthesize a large amount of information in a short period of time.

The AP RA will also participate in The Washington Institute's larger RA cohort. Further details on the RA program are as follows:

The RA program provides a pathway for recent graduates and early-career professionals to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. Research Assistants support Institute senior fellows in all aspects of research and administrative work, and go on to contribute to the policy world as government officials, research analysts, journalists, consultants, and other roles. In addition to providing research support, RAs participate in The Washington Institute's frequent public and private events, and contribute to the daily operations of the office. Research Assistants gain exposure to high-level decision-makers, follow developments in the Middle East, and help senior fellows produce in-depth research and policy analysis. The Washington Institute provides professional development programming for Research Assistants, equipping them with relevant skills for policy positions.

RA positions are geared towards recent B.A. graduates with an interest and background in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. The position is a full-time (40 hours/week), year-long, paid position with a salary of $55,000, plus benefits. Start dates will be in late summer of 2026. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. Candidates may apply for up to three positions.

The AP RA will report directly to the RA/Intern Program Director, as well as the AP team. Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2026.

Apply for this position. 

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

2026-2027 Gulf and Energy Program Research Assistant

This Research Assistant (RA) will work with The Washington Institute’s Bernstein Program on Gulf and Energy Policy (Gulf/Energy) team, where they will support research on a variety of topics related the conservative Arab Gulf states and the key role these countries play collectively as a primary source of the world’s oil and natural gas. The RA will provide both research and administrative support by tracking news developments; compiling maps, databases, and other interactive tools; organizing events; and undertaking other research tasks. Ideal candidates should be able to work on deadlines, multitask, and synthesize a large amount of information in a short period of time.

In addition, this RA will spend approximately 50% of their time supporting the work of TWI Research Director, Dana Stroul. Her research generally covers Middle East issues of high strategic importance for the United States.

The Gulf/Energy RA will also participate in The Washington Institute's larger RA cohort. Further details on the RA program are as follows:

The RA program provides a pathway for recent graduates and early-career professionals to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. Research Assistants support Institute senior fellows in all aspects of research and administrative work, and go on to contribute to the policy world as government officials, research analysts, journalists, consultants, and other roles. In addition to providing research support, RAs participate in The Washington Institute's frequent public and private events, and contribute to the daily operations of the office. Research Assistants gain exposure to high-level decision-makers, follow developments in the Middle East, and help senior fellows produce in-depth research and policy analysis. The Washington Institute provides professional development programming for Research Assistants, equipping them with relevant skills for policy positions.

RA positions are geared towards recent B.A. graduates with an interest and background in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. The position is a full-time (40 hours/week), year-long, paid position with a salary of $55,000, plus benefits. Start dates will be in late summer of 2026. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. Candidates may apply for up to three positions.

The Gulf/Energy RA will report directly to the RA/Intern Program Director, as well as the Gulf/Energy team and Dana Stroul. Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2026.

Apply for this position. 

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

2026-2027 Arab-Israel Relations (KPAIR) Research Assistant

This Research Assistant will work with The Washington Institute’s Koret Project on Arab-Israel Relations (KPAIR) team, where they will support research on a variety of topics related to Arab-Israeli relations. The RA will provide both research and administrative support by conducting research for relevant books and Policy Watches, tracking news developments, organizing events, coordinating speaking engagements and media appearances, and undertaking other research tasks. They will also take the lead in coordinating logistics for the Decision Points podcast and the multi-day biannual Strategic Dialogues, as well as coordinating campus visits and similar travel.

Arabic and Hebrew skills and familiarity with Israeli politics are a plus but not required. Ideal candidates should be able to work on deadlines, multitask, and synthesize a large amount of information in a short period of time.

The KPAIR RA will also participate in The Washington Institute's larger RA cohort. Further details on the RA program are as follows:

The RA program provides a pathway for recent graduates and early-career professionals to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. Research Assistants support Institute senior fellows in all aspects of research and administrative work, and go on to contribute to the policy world as government officials, research analysts, journalists, consultants, and other roles. In addition to providing research support, RAs participate in The Washington Institute's frequent public and private events, and contribute to the daily operations of the office. Research Assistants gain exposure to high-level decision-makers, follow developments in the Middle East, and help senior fellows produce in-depth research and policy analysis. The Washington Institute provides professional development programming for Research Assistants, equipping them with relevant skills for policy positions.

RA positions are geared towards recent B.A. graduates with an interest and background in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. The position is a full-time (40 hours/week), year-long, paid position with a salary of $55,000, plus benefits. Start dates will be in late summer of 2026. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. Candidates may apply for up to three positions.

The KPAIR RA will report directly to the RA/Intern Program Director, as well as the KPAIR team. Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2026.

Apply for this position. 

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

2026-2027 Counterterrorism and Intelligence Program Research Assistant

This Research Assistant (RA) will work with at least one member of The Washington Institute’s Jeanette and Eli Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence (CTI) team, where they will support research on a variety of topics related to Middle East and international counterterrorism issues. The RA will provide both extensive research and editing as well as administrative support by tracking news developments; conducting project-specific research for products such as articles, Op-eds, and testimonies; maintaining online maps, databases, and other interactive tools; organizing events; and undertaking other research tasks.

Ideal candidates should be able to work on deadlines, multitask, and synthesize a large amount of information in a short period of time. They should also have strong research, writing, and communication skills.

The CTI RA will also participate in The Washington Institute's larger RA cohort. Further details on the RA program are as follows:

The RA program provides a pathway for recent graduates and early-career professionals to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. Research Assistants support Institute senior fellows in all aspects of research and administrative work, and go on to contribute to the policy world as government officials, research analysts, journalists, consultants, and other roles. In addition to providing research support, RAs participate in The Washington Institute's frequent public and private events, and contribute to the daily operations of the office. Research Assistants gain exposure to high-level decision-makers, follow developments in the Middle East, and help senior fellows produce in-depth research and policy analysis. The Washington Institute provides professional development programming for Research Assistants, equipping them with relevant skills for policy positions.

RA positions are geared towards recent B.A. graduates with an interest and background in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. The position is a full-time (40 hours/week), year-long, paid position with a salary of $55,000, plus benefits. Start dates will be in late summer of 2026. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. Candidates may apply for up to three positions.

The CTI RA will report directly to the RA/Intern Program Director, as well as the CTI team. Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2026.

Apply for this position. 

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

2026-2027 Great Power Competition in the Middle East (GPC) Program Research Assistant

This RA will work within the Washington Institute’s Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation Program on Great Power Competition and the Middle East (GPC) Program. The GPC Program conducts research and produces publications focused on the Middle East as a setting for heightened competition between the United States and other world powers, such as China and Russia. The RA will provide both research and administrative support by tracking news developments, organizing events, and undertaking other research tasks.

Ideal candidates should be able to work on deadlines, multitask, and synthesize a large amount of information in a short period of time. Chinese or Russian language skills are a plus, but are not required.

The GPC RA will also participate in The Washington Institute's larger RA cohort. Further details on the RA program are as follows:

The RA program provides a pathway for recent graduates and early-career professionals to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. Research Assistants support Institute senior fellows in all aspects of research and administrative work, and go on to contribute to the policy world as government officials, research analysts, journalists, consultants, and other roles. In addition to providing research support, RAs participate in The Washington Institute's frequent public and private events, and contribute to the daily operations of the office. Research Assistants gain exposure to high-level decision-makers, follow developments in the Middle East, and help senior fellows produce in-depth research and policy analysis. The Washington Institute provides professional development programming for Research Assistants, equipping them with relevant skills for policy positions.

RA positions are geared towards recent B.A. graduates with an interest and background in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. The position is a full-time (40 hours/week), year-long, paid position with a salary of $55,000, plus benefits. Start dates will be in late summer of 2026. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. Candidates may apply for up to three positions.

The GPC RA will report directly to the RA/Intern Program Director, as well as the GPC team. Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2026.

Apply for this position. 

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

2026-2027 Turkish Research Program Research Assistant

This RA will work with Dr. Soner Cagaptay to conduct research and produce publications focused on Turkey's political, diplomatic, and strategic environments and the impact those environments may have on both U.S. foreign policy interests and U.S.-Turkish relations.

Turkish language skills (advanced or native) are preferred. Ideal candidates should be able to work on deadlines, multitask, and synthesize a large amount of information in a short period of time.

The TRP RA will also participate in The Washington Institute's larger RA cohort. Further details on the RA program are as follows:

The RA program provides a pathway for recent graduates and early-career professionals to begin the transformation from young scholar to promising analyst and future policymaker. Research Assistants support Institute senior fellows in all aspects of research and administrative work, and go on to contribute to the policy world as government officials, research analysts, journalists, consultants, and other roles. In addition to providing research support, RAs participate in The Washington Institute's frequent public and private events, and contribute to the daily operations of the office. Research Assistants gain exposure to high-level decision-makers, follow developments in the Middle East, and help senior fellows produce in-depth research and policy analysis. The Washington Institute provides professional development programming for Research Assistants, equipping them with relevant skills for policy positions.

RA positions are geared towards recent B.A. graduates with an interest and background in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy. The position is a full-time (40 hours/week), year-long, paid position with a salary of $55,000, plus benefits. Start dates will be in late summer of 2026. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory. Candidates may apply for up to three positions.

The TRP RA will report directly to the RA/Intern Program Director, as well as Dr. Cagaptay. Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2026.

Apply for this position. 

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Summer 2026 Internship Program

The Washington Institute is accepting applications for our Summer 2026 intern class. Interns are assigned to Institute research programs based on their skills and interests. Institute research programs cover a range of topics: North Africa, the Levant, Israel and the Palestinians, Turkey, the Gulf, Iraq, Iran, Arab-Israel relations, Russia and China in MENA, counterterrorism and intelligence, military and security, and energy.

Interns support Institute research, publications, and events, gaining relevant experience for foreign policy careers. Intern positions are geared towards undergraduates (rising juniors or seniors) who are interested in Middle East affairs and U.S. foreign policy.

Ideal candidates will be eager to learn about Middle East policy issues, regional developments, and U.S. policy making. Applicants should be team players who can work in a fast-paced environment, support research and event planning, and communicate clearly and directly. Background in Middle East and foreign policy subjects is preferred. Language skills in Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew, Turkish, Kurdish, Russian or Chinese are a plus, but not required.

The 8-week paid internship runs from June to August.  Applications will be accepted until the March 1, 2026 deadline. Ability to work full-time in person in our Washington, D.C. office is mandatory.

Apply for a Summer 2026 internship. 

The Washington Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Media Relations Associate

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, an independent and nonpartisan research organization on the Middle East, is seeking a skilled and energetic media relations associate to manage our successful outreach program to the news media. The Institute’s scholars were quoted more than 3,600 times in 2025 by top news outlets around the globe.

Whether responding to reporters’ requests or promoting the Institute’s subject-matter experts, the media relations associate is responsible for ensuring a smooth and effective working relationship with the media. Among other duties, the media relations associate sets up media appearances at the Institute’s office and in external studios; pitches reporters and editors on Institute research, studies, briefings, and other events; helps place Institute fellows’ op-eds and other pieces in outside publications; drafts press releases; coordinates the rollout of major research products and other initiatives; maintains a database of media contacts; monitors press citations; looks for innovative ways to adapt to today’s changing media landscape and reach out to the media writ large, including new media; and updates the press section of the Institute’s website. The media relations associate must stay abreast of developments in the Middle East and the news media. The media relations associate works with the director of communications and the rest of the communications team, as well as the Institute’s fellows and other staffers.

The media relations associate will also serve as co-leader of the Institute’s LINK program, which creates events to help young professionals better understand the Middle East and advance their careers.

The Institute is seeking an enthusiastic professional with a passion for public affairs who is cool on deadline and excels at juggling the demands of a busy media-relations operation. Candidates should have a college degree and should be able to write with authority and pitch with poise. We prefer candidates with previous experience working with the media and at least some familiarity with the Middle East.

The functions of the media relations associate include:

  • Responding to media requests for Institute experts;
  • Conducting outreach to news organizations, including pitching experts and research;
  • Coordinating media appearances at the Institute office and in news bureaus;
  • Working with Institute experts to polish and place their op-eds;
  • Drafting press releases;
  • Helping roll out major Institute research products and other initiatives;
  • Maintaining and updating a database of existing and new media contacts;
  • Monitoring and reporting citations;
  • Updating the press section of the Institute website;
  • Monitoring Middle East news;
  • Helping train Institute experts to make broadcast appearances; and
  • Performing other duties as assigned, including general media-related research, inquiries about paid advertising, administrative work, event coordination, and the like.

Qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field;
  • A familiarity with the news media;
  • Superb oral and written communication skills;
  • The ability to multitask, often under tight time constraints; and
  • An interest in the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy.

An advanced degree related to the media or U.S. foreign affairs, a facility with one or more regional languages, and time living in the Middle East are pluses but not required.

The Washington Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

The position has a salary range of $60,000-$100,000. The Washington Institute offers its full-time employees a generous benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability insurance; generous paid time off; and a retirement savings program.

To best protect our workforce and their families, The Washington Institute requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This includes keeping up to date on any recommended booster shots. If hired, you will be asked to confirm that you have complied with this policy or to advise if you need to discuss a potential accommodation.

To apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and preferred salary range for consideration to jobs@washingtoninstitute.org.

Development Assistant - Northeast (Fundraising)

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy is a nonpartisan think tank focused on advancing a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East. We are currently looking for a full-time Development Assistant to assist our Northeast Regional Director based in New York City. This position is fully remote with frequent travel in and around New York City for donor events and meetings.

Responsibilities

  • Provide administrative support to the Northeast Regional Director, including: booking travel, completing expense reports, draft correspondences, prepare background information on prospective donors or current trustees, and other administrative duties as needed;
  • Identify and conduct research on prospective donors as well as outreach and follow-up, including mailing prospect kits and scheduling meetings;
  • Support donor relations through direct and indirect means (phone calls, emails, mailings, etc.);
  • Utilize fundraising database Raiser's Edge to maintain NY regional database - including data entry, running reports and queries, tracking event attendance, maintaining donor records;
  • Coordinate and manage speaking engagements between Institute fellows and trustees in the NY region, including preparing materials, booking scholar travel and hotels, maintaining RSVPS, and working with event locations regarding ordering food, registration and logistics of event;
  • Utilize events platforms Act-On and Wufoo to create invitations and registration forms for events;
  • Conduct foundation research, write foundation reports and grant proposals. Track multi-year gifts for renewals;
  • Work with DC-based communications teams for scheduling and creating event invitations, marketing materials, etc.;
  • Orchestrate quarterly billing campaigns for donors and trustees in the New York and Northeast Regions and interact with various levels of Institute donors for payment collection;
  • Work with Regional Director and outside staff to assist in special events, including annual Gala in New York City;
  • Work with National Development Department in DC to facilitate donor needs/requests, including close work with Development Assistants based both in DC and other regions;
  • Assist with Board meeting preparation;
  • Assist Chairman, President, other Board Members, and Director with Institute duties in the New York region.
     

Requirements

  • BA/BS in development (fundraising), communications, business or related field preferred;
  • Strong administrative support skills;
  • Strong attention to detail and follow-through;
  • Well-developed customer service orientation;
  • Ability to work effectively independently, as part of a team and across organizational lines
    Ability to take direction;
  • Self-motivated, adept at multi-tasking and prioritizing work;
  • Experience using Microsoft Office suite, proficient in Excel;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  • Strength at building and maintaining relationships;
  • Interest in the mission of The Institute and the Middle East region;
  • Experience with Raiser’s Edge (helpful, but not required);
  • Self-starter and ability to work independently;
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously;
  • Strong organizational skills and propensity for planning and logistics;
  • Creativity and enthusiasm for thinking outside the box.

The Washington Institute offers its full-time employees a generous benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, generous paid time off, and a retirement savings program.

Please note that there is no foreign language requirement related to this position. This position is in our fundraising, not policy area.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter and salary requirements for consideration to
jobs@washingtoninstitute.org. We will only review applications that include a cover letter that explains your background and how you might fit into this role. 

The Washington Institute is an equal opportunity employer.